Act I Part 1
In The Diary of Anne Frank, Act I, why does Peter remove the Star of David from his clothes?
He resents the fact that the Nazis force Jews to wear it.
What can we infer about Anne and Peter's differing opinions about the Star of David?
Anne respects her religion, but Peter doesn't.
In her diary, Anne sees people being dragged away, families being separated, and dirty children. What is her internal conflict when watching these scenes?
She is frustrated because of her living situation, but she knows that she is more fortunate than many.
Why is Mrs. Van Daan so concerned about her fur coat?
It reminds her of her father and her old life.
In The Diary of Anne Frank, Act II, why does Anne leave her diary behind when the Nazis come to take the families and Mr. Dussel away?
The Nazis said they could take only clothing.
In The Diary of Anne Frank, Act I, why does Anne scream in the night?
She has a terrible nightmare.
Anne received her diary for her birthday, but the playwrights moved it to when she was in the annex. Why would they make this change?
To speed up the events and keep set building to a minimum
Which was the problem with the warehouse worker?
He seems like he's figured out where the Franks are, so they give him the money he's asking for
There are many burglaries and break-ins. What does this tell you about the setting?
People are desperate and do immoral things
Why did the Franks go into hiding in the first place?
Margot received "call up" papers to go to a work camp
After the flashback (Act 1, scene 1 into Act 1, scene 2), the playwrights write that Mr. Frank looks "much younger now." Why would they include this detail?
To emphasize how much Mr. Frank changed as a result of his ordeal
The playwrights often put events with two opposing emotions together. Why might they do this?
To highlight the opposing emotions
Why does Mrs. Van Daan receive shampoo for Hanukkah?
She is concerned about her appearance.
In Scene 1 of The Diary of Anne Frank, Act II, why does Anne rage at Mrs. Frank?
Anne thinks that Mrs. Frank is unfair, insensitive, and lacking in understanding.
How many people total hid in the annex?
8
Very often during the play, the characters are interrupted by outside noises, such as cars, soldiers, and general street noise. Why would the playwrights include this?
To remind the audience of the dangers they face.
Mr. Frank tells Anne, "There are no walls, there are no bolts, no locks that anyone can put on your mind. Miep will bring us books. We will read history, poetry, mythology." How is this in juxtaposition with their situation?
Mr. Frank wants Anne to keep an open mind, but the Nazis censor and restrict people.
Why do the playwrights make Anne the gift-giver in Hanukkah?
To show that she is thoughtful and kind
Which sentence best explains why Mr. Van Daan’s theft of bread in The Diary of Anne Frank, Act II, is such a serious act?
There is little food, and Mr. Van Daan is not the only one who is hungry.
Who was the only member of the annex to survive?
Mr. Frank
What is the difference between the way Anne and Peter react to the Star of David on their clothes?
Peter burns his, but Anne can't.
What is the MOST LIKELY reason that the playwrights elaborate on the Hanukkah scene?
To show that unity and resistance are important
Sometimes, we see the Franks speaking in German. Why would the playwrights add this in?
To remind us that even though they live in Amsterdam now, they are German
In The Diary of Anne Frank, Act II, who tells the Nazis about the people in the attic?
The thief
Anne tells Peter, “I still believe, in spite of everything, that people are really good at heart.” How does her attitude affect the ending of The Diary of Anne Frank, Act II?
It makes the ending more moving because Anne is the victim of evil.